Transfer Window: Newcastle Close To Second Signing

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is close to landing his second signing in the St. James hot seat with Birmingham City midfielder Sebastian Larsson close to moving to the North East.

The Swedish international is out of contract in the summer and despite an offer still on the table from Birmingham he has been granted permission to speak to United.

Birmingham boss said: "We gave his advisor permission to speak to Newcastle," McLeish confirmed.

‘We came to a kind of impasse [over the new contract]. I know Seb would like to stay so we'll just have to see."

Larsson was also linked with a reunion with former blue's boss Steve Bruce at Sunderland but rumours suggested the Black Cats were only interested in a move in the summer—opening the door for Alan Pardew to swoop in.

Larsson joined Arsenal at the Age of 16 but failed to break into the Gunners first team and was allowed to join Birmingham for a bargain price of £one m in January 2007 after impressing during a six month loan spell.

Going on to make 186 games for City, Larsson netted 22 goals, two against Newcastle United in the FA Cup.

If the deal goes through The 27 timed capped Swedish international will be United's second January signing following the permanent capture of French midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa for £five m.

Larsson could come straight into the United side hopeing to bounce back from Saturday's 3-1 humliation at Stevenage in the FA Cup when they face bitter rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

The move could also make way for former United target David Bentley arrive at Birmingham on loan for the remainder of the season from Spurs.